The Art behind the Photograph Part 10

In 2010, I took a job at a bar in the French Quarter working security. As I’ve mentioned before, most of the people I’ve photographed, I’ve worked with in some capacity.

The minute I saw F.D., I knew he had that certain something and I wanted to photograph him. There is a process in getting someone to pose in front of my camera. Its all part of the Art from start to finish. The introduction has to be just right. A professional doesn’t want to come across as being creepy.

I remember when I first started taking photographs and I’d meet girls and I’d ask them to pose they looked at me as if I only wanted to photograph them naked. I always give the individual the choice, but my focus has always been fashion. Some of the sexiest photos are of those with their clothes on. Of course everything is in the eye of the beholder.

Now, back to our model, F.D. he was working as a bar back and I had explained to him I would be in town for a while and if it might be possible to photograph him. He smiled and said he was looking for a photographer. This is one of those times that I feel it was meant to be. There are many photographers in the city. I was at the right place at the right time. I scouted a few locations. Some of which I had used before, but I’m always looking to try something different. I often do pictures with people just to do them. Perhaps the model I wanted wasn’t available or I open my mouth about an idea and someone will say they would be up for the challenge. Then I just go through with it. Sometimes I really get something I like from the experience.

Some of the shots with F.D. were original and some I had tried with another model, but I didn’t get what I was looking for. I photographed F.D. on two occasions and I know if its meant to be, somewhere down the line I’ll have another opportunity.

Coming up: The Nexx Fazz of Models, Coca, Jack









Thanks for stopping by; and keep an open mind.

Check out some of my art at Bluecanvas.com/Oznol. Some of these are for sale. Remember Artist Trading Cards (ATC) are available simply by asking. Send an email with ATC in the subject and I can email one to you.

http://www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=58144381
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=54325957
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=54365247

While you’re here, why not become a follower (fan).
Taking it one day at a time and keeping the faith.

Check back and see where this journey leads. Check out the links below to my other blogs and videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmgUzGZGt98

The above link is a video for an organic flutist in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hciIcHFm3Yw&NR=1

The above is a link of a performance from Oz in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-qcybZsUzc

The above link is for a promo of a DJ in New Orleans.

http://www.myspace.com/darqueleight/music/songs/d-bohemian-31098704

Computer generated music.

The Art behind the photographs Part 8

There are many people I photographed that were models or had what it took to be a model. Some of them only model for me and then there were those that just needed pictures for their portfolio.

{Some people I just enjoyed photographing and the window of opportunity was there. Most of the time I studied people so that I could get that perfect shot and then there were the times where I just had to go with the moment.}

I never wanted to do what every other photographer was doing. I tried not to use the typical backgrounds if I didn’t have too. Now that I look back on my art, I guess I was trying to create my signature. Most of the time I photographed myself first using a particular background and if it worked then I’d use it on another client or model.

{The majority of people I've photographed I worked with in some capacity. Sometimes it took some coaching to get someone in front of the camera, but when it happened it was magic. That was the case in this session. I took two shower curtains and connected them and suspended it from the ceiling and let it drape along the floor. It added a contrast with the light as if its two different pieces, a wall and a floor.}

Most of the people that made it in front of my camera was either by word of mouth or I recruited them. I was very selective in who I photographed and what type of events I photographed. I didn’t like being stressed over creating something or taking on more than I could handle.

{For a local clothing store I came up with this concept. It's rather traditional, but both subjects had a look that went back in time. No backdrops, and just natural lighting.}

We began as Dlonzo Modeling Troupe. We were a group of models ranging in height from 5’2” to 5’9”. I had created something that would later catch on at some of the department stores. I knew all alone the chances of making it as a runway model were slim to none, but working in print and doing commercials was another story. My dream had always been to act and then I realized this could be that stepping stone. Everyone that was working for me had other aspirations. When some of the models began to branch out and work for other people, I changed the name to Dlonzo Models and was working as an agent. I was still producing fashion shows, but I was also hiring out models and putting together portfolios. I was teaching them how to market themselves and who to contact outside of the city if they were really serious about this business.

{As I mentioned, some people need a lot of coaching. That was the case with Chantal. The name alone represented beauty, but no everyone sees what I see. I just picked locations as random as we drove around town until we got back to my studio. This was all impromptu. Most of the time I plan things out, pick out what the model would wear, but this time I just went with the flow.}

I began taking video classes because I had always had a dream of having my own talk show. Of course I still enjoyed being behind the scenes and wanted to learn how it all worked. When you tell people you were a model or an actor you can see a twinkle in their eye. There is something about those words that make people a little weak in the knees. It’s a world many would love to be a part of, but don’t always make it. I’m glad I was able to do what I did for so long. There were a lot of perks that came along with being a model and a chance to meet a lot of people.

Coming up:  Dlonzo Models, B C DjayD, The Nexx Fazz of Models F.D. McDermott, Coca, Jack

http://dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

The Art behind the Photograph (Models) Part 7

Thinking about whether or not one is serious about modeling or just wants to look like one. My motto was don't just look like one, be one. Formal wear is a big deal in NOLA and I figure its important to have at least a few pics in a suit or tux.

Sometimes you don’t actually remember how something happens, but when you have a reminder then you know it did. Ron M. This is an interesting story. We used to work together. There were only a few people that new anything about what I did outside of work. Gradually I’d begin talking about the fashion shows or the film festivals. Etc. One day I had brought my portfolio to work because one of the ladies I worked with had a daughter that wanted to get into modeling.

Winter wear is also an important part of a portfolio, but I was mainly testing out props and seeing what looks worked best. There wasn't much that Ron didn't look good in and once he got hooked on being in front of the camera he was game for just about anything.

Anyway, word must have gotten out and a few of the guys in the warehouse wanted to the see the pics. Mainly, they wanted to see the girls in swimsuits. We guys are a strange breed because as much as we don’t like to think of ourselves as being vain we really are. Sometimes even more so than women.

Part of the first photo shoot when I getting the subject used to being in front of the camera.

All it take is getting in front of the camera once and seeing yourself in a way you’ve never seen yourself before and you are HOOKED!!! That happened to be the case with Ron. Of course not everyone has what it takes, but most people with the right energy, persona and photographer to work with them can take a good picture.

As with the majority of the people I photograph, I have my favorite photograph and this happens to be the one for Ron. It happened purely by accident because I don't like models to take risks that could hurt them. The model was willing to do what was needed to get the best shot.

A photographer can only do so much, but with the right model, art can be created.

Coming up:  Dlonzo Models, Wilbert, Ron C., Dino, Carolyn, Curtis Scott Hall, DjayD, The Nexx Fazz of Models F.D. McDermott, Coca, Jack

Thanks for stopping by; and keep an open mind.

Check out some of my art at Bluecanvas.com/Oznol. Some of these are for sale. Remember Artist Trading Cards (ATC) are available simply by asking. Send an email with ATC in the subject and I can email one to you.

http://www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=58144381
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=54325957
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=54365247

While you’re here, why not become a follower (fan).
Taking it one day at a time and keeping the faith.

Check back and see where this journey leads. Check out the links below to my other blogs and videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmgUzGZGt98

The above link is a video for an organic flutist in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hciIcHFm3Yw&NR=1

The above is a link of a performance from Oz in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-qcybZsUzc

The above link is for a promo of a DJ in New Orleans.

http://www.myspace.com/darqueleight/music/songs/d-bohemian-31098704

Computer generated music.

The Art Behind the photograph (Models) Part 5

(When someone has that magic I can always feel it. A person can bring so much to the table and be very creative without the photographer having to do anything, but take the pictures.)

I’ve had the pleasure of being the first professional photographer for many when it comes to creating something different. I consider myself an artist who takes pictures. I do a lot of experimentation with people, backdrops and lighting. I prefer natural lighting, but depending on the circumstances, studio lighting comes in handy. Natural lighting depends largely on the layout of the room. If there isn’t a lot of natural light coming in then you have to create the right atmosphere.

When it came to fashion, Ramsey and I had a lot in common. He taught me a few things and maybe I taught him something as well. Ramsey was somewhat shy. Instantly I saw something in him that he didn’t see in himself. It took me a while before I could persuade him to pose in front of my camera. I love the challenge of getting people to pose for me. It’s all part of the art. They usually don’t see themselves as photogenic. They all talk about not liking their photos, etc. It is my job to create an image that they will be proud of.
When I first met Ramsey I didn’t think we would be friends.. He was an acquaintance right from the beginning. We met one night to go to the movies to see Purple Rain. A group of friends got together as we often did back in the 80’s. My models and I were inseparable. It helps when some of them are also family.
The young lady I was going out with at the time, was gaga for Ramsey when she first saw him. We went out with the same girl for a period of time. When they had a conflict she’d come back to me when I wasn’t seeing anyone. She played us against each other, but our friendship remained in tact.

Although I thought Ramsey would have made a great runway model he never allowed me to promote him. He even moved to New York for a while, but we had lost touch and an opportunity slipped through our hands.
I  am really grateful he was a part of my life and I was able to create some great art.
It was 1985 when I first photographed Ramsey. I photographed him on four separate occasions. I had no doubt he would have had a great future in the industry, but his confidence wasn’t as strong or he just didn’t want it as much I did for him.

I had a tendency of pushing people to reach their full potential. It made me want to do more. I’ve slacked off some, but I feel myself pushing people again. I helps me motivate myself when I help others.
There are a lot of models that are no longer with me and so all I have are the memories. I am glad they were a part of my life even if it was for a short period of time. (May they rest in peace.)



A photographer can only do so much, but with the right model, art can be created.

Coming up: Simone, Ron M., Dlonzo Models, Wilbert, Ron C., Dino, Carolyn, C. S. Hall, The Nexx Fazz of models F.D. McDermott









Thanks for stopping by; and keep an open mind.

Check out some of my art at Bluecanvas.com/Oznol. Some of these are for sale. Remember Artist Trading Cards (ATC) are available simply by asking. Send an email with ATC in the subject and I can email one to you.

http://www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=58144381
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=54325957
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=54365247

While you’re here, why not become a follower (fan).
Taking it one day at a time and keeping the faith.

Check back and see where this journey leads. Check out the links below to my other blogs and videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmgUzGZGt98

The above link is a video for an organic flutist in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hciIcHFm3Yw&NR=1

The above is a link of a performance from Oz in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-qcybZsUzc

The above link is for a promo of a DJ in New Orleans.

http://www.myspace.com/darqueleight/music/songs/d-bohemian-31098704

Computer generated music.

The story behind the Art Part 2 Sly

I first met Sylvester when he was in Junior high school. He was friends with my cousins.   He was very mature for his age and loved movies.

When I started Dlonzo Modeling Troupe, Sylvester became my DJ since he was good with electronics and was also in the school band. I had never seen Sylvester as a model (Although he was the groom in a wedding sequence in my first major fashion show, as an inside joke. He actually liked the model a lot.) I had hoped they would have gotten together. (That’s another story. LOL)

Sylvester and I hung out a lot until I got him his first job at Frenchy’s. It was a sandwich shop near the lakefront in New Orleans. After high school Sylvester joined the military and I never heard from him until 1992. He was living in Seattle. He started telling me about the film festival and the celebrities he was meeting. I had always wanted to make a movie and as a kid the family and cousins were always in front of my camera. Even when they didn’t want to be.

I was good with people and knew if I made it to Seattle something might happen. Since the modeling in New Orleans was coming to an end. (I had gone through some difficult times and decided I’d leave it alone.)

In 1993 I had decided to go to Seattle and this was sort of the beginning of me getting back into the photography. The Seattle International Film Festival had set up interviews with the celebrities and one of the people I had met was a writer, I was brought in as the photographer to take pictures to go along with the story. All thanks to Sylvester.

When I returned to New Orleans, Sylvester had planned to come a few weeks later. One of my cousins and his friend was getting married. It would be Sylvester’s first trip back to New Orleans since he had left in 1984.

I had taken a job working for a friend and I had access to his home. Some how we must have talked about doing some photos. I had arranged for Sylvester to come to the house with me and we ended up doing a photo shoot. After all those years of producing fashion shows, now when I was no longer a part of the scene I would discover that Sylvester was a natural in front of the camera. Perhaps him moving to Seattle opened his mind. Sometimes all it takes is for us to walk out of our own backyard to discover our potential.
Everyone I knew was very comfortable posing for me and I would never ask anyone to do something that I wouldn’t have done as long as I looked good.

The next year when I returned to Seattle Sylvester really surprised me. I came up with the idea which was inspired by a photograph in Madonna’s Sex book. The theme of the Seattle International Film Festival was See what the world is coming to… Sylvester had purchased a pair of the boxer briefs which had the titled across the butt. I was not going to turn down a chance to create some art with my best friend.

Sylvester like myself always wanted to do cinematography. I did both so I had agreed when we would make a film we’d share the job. After seeing the film Bad Boy Bubby, we knew it was actually possible to have several people film a project.

http://dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

Thanks for stopping by; and keep an open mind. Let the ART flow.

check out my newest videos on Youtube at ArtographybyDlonzo